POSTS - I traveled to China in order to participate in a volunteer project documenting the daily life and non-material traditions of a rural peasant village in Shaanxi Province. I spent two additional weeks sightseeing in Beijing and Xian. These posts were originally sent as off-the-cuff "this is what I did today" emails to a mail-list, and therefore extremely informal in nature. I'm working on updating, re-organizing and formalizing them, adding lots of photos, for the blog here. A slow process. Posts with a photo next to them are ones which have been updated. See more posts in China II.

I get off the beaten track to see the lovely sights at Prince Gong's Mansion, learn some history Soong Ching Ling's residence, and find quietude at the Museum of Chinese Architecture. Wrapped up with a musical joy at the Temple of Heaven.

I spend a day at the spectacular holy Taoist mountain, Huashan, then arrive in Yulin City and meet my volunteer research team, where we are treated as dignitaries by the local government officials.

Village Life Wherein:I arrive in the Dang Jia Shan village and meet the villagers. This is the reason I came to China, to witness and document the daily lives and traditions in this tiny rural village. Everything about my experience far exceeded any expectations I had.

Winding Down Wherein:I recount some of the special moments in the village such as watching a traveling blind musician play and having the villagers put on a mock wedding for us so we could learn about their marital traditions.